Your definition of "good access" differs from mine.I know exactly what you mean. After about 30 years of going to Vail and BC (and Breck) I am done with those places after this season. They have turned into a complete circus most days. Yes there are some mellow and uncrowded days which are great but they are getting more and more scarce. I know Aspen has a rep of being only for the ubber rich but there are probably somewhat more affordable options. I mean, Vail Resorts are not exactly cheap. The properties there are (or were) good investments because even if the property manager takes 50% the rental revenues are huge. If you DIY and hire locally the revenues are pretty substantial. As long as people keep going and paying! But I rather ski somewhere else and Aspen looks like it is amazing while still having good access from the front range.
I can make it to Vail from Golden in 1:20, no sweat (depending on weather and traffic). I have to add more than two hours to that to make it to Aspen.
For those of us still tied to Denver, that's a deal killer.
If Aspen were an hour or two closer, I would be there too.